Gallen can escape suspension

CRONULLA Sharks and NSW State of Origin captain Paul Gallen can escape suspension despite being charged by the NRL match review committee.

Gallen was charged with a grade 1 dangerous contact for his use of a knee in a tackle on Rabbitohs forward Dave Taylor in the 4th minute of the Sharks 34-28 loss to South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.

An early guilty plea would see him available to take on the Melbourne Storm at Toyota Park on Sunday afternoon, although that may depend on how the knee he injured in the match responds to treatment.